“This is the Great American Race!” These words etched in the minds of die-heart NASCAR fans were spoken by one of the most iconic voices in racing history. As news of the failing health of legendary commentator Ken Squier reached the racing community, well-wishes poured in for his recovery.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before the uncertainty of his condition brought out the disturbing furor of unfounded claims. Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass doubled down on unscientific and anti-vaccine proponents with an uncharacteristically biting retort.
Bob Pockrass has had enough of anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists’s fake news on Ken Squier
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When the COVID-19 pandemic held the entire world hostage, it became paramount for the scientific community to develop a protective shield. As the vaccines spread across the globe, humanity slowly resumed its earlier life. But the damage already done was far too severe to be entirely erased. Ken Squier had tested positive for the virus toward the end of 2020, leaving him wheelchair-bound after a hard-fought battle.
The next three years were a test of endurance for the beloved Hall of Famer as a minor stroke and a pelvic fracture prevented him from regaining his previous health. At the age of 88, the multiple health scares were far too overwhelming for his age. When Dave Moody from Sirius XM communicated he was “in his final days”, the NASCAR fandom began grieving the ‘Great American Broadcaster’, who made the phrase popular for the Daytona 500.
In 1979, Ken Squier coined the phrase “The Great American Race,” as millions of fans tuned in to the 1979 Daytona 500. #NASCARHall pic.twitter.com/bBWW8TA03c
— NASCAR Hall of Fame (@NASCARHall) January 20, 2018
However, speculations reached a farcical juncture when premature news of his death started circulating on social media. Although Squier had made a full recovery from the virus itself, many detractors of COVID-19 vaccines found an opportunity to blame his ill-health on the vaccine instead of the virus. Remembering a similar misuse of former entrepreneur and philanthropist Sherry Pollex’s demise, Bob Pockrass refused to condone such an affront on the life of NASCAR luminary Ken Squier.
Dismissing the false news of his death and the inaccurate ire toward life-saving vaccines, Pockrass said, “First of all, Ken Squier is still alive, at least for the moment. No official word has come out that he has passed away. Secondly, these Alpha Male a***oles who are blaming deaths on the vaccine can kindly f**k off. Same bulls**t was said about Sherry Pollex and I am sick of it.”
First of all, Ken Squier is still alive, at least for the moment. No official word has come out that he has passed away. Secondly, these Alpha Male assholes who are blaming deaths on the vaccine can kindly fuck off. Same bullshit was said about Sherry Pollex and I am sick of it. pic.twitter.com/485eLGYUEI
— Pob Bockrass (@pob_bockrass) November 14, 2023
Watch this story: NASCAR Icon’s Shocking Confession: A Journey from Crime to Fame
The actual status of his health was once again provided by Dave Moody.
Ken Squier made TV history even before the television broadcast of NASCAR races
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The resounding coverage by Ken Squier of the 1979 Daytona 500 race led to a revolution. As race leaders Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison crashed on the final lap, racing fans the world over felt the excitement and thrill of Richard Petty’s unexpected victory. Bill France, who was once unsure of the small screen reception of the racing spectacle, was convinced of its success largely due to Squier’s soulful and authentic coverage.
As reported in nascarhall.com, the present race announcer of FOX Sports, Mike Joy, was quoted saying, “Absent Ken Squier, it would have taken this sport probably another decade to find its way onto national television and radio. With his knowledge of the business, his diplomacy, and his deep relationships in the sport, there was nobody else who had that combination and the drive to try and propel their sport forward like he did.”
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For now, the sport’s icon is in “hospice care”. He will soon be shifted to his home. Dave Moody received the update from his family and shared the “plans to move him from hospital to home tomorrow, where he will spend whatever time remains.” Three-time Winston Cup champion Darrell Waltrip never forgot that race and Squier’s sensational coverage.
Latest update from the Squier Family: Ken is now in hospice care, with plans to move him from hospital to home tomorrow, where he will spend whatever time remains. Thanks so much for the many prayers being offered up.
— Dave Moody (@DGodfatherMoody) November 14, 2023
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Years down the line, Waltrip had said, “It was an exciting day. And then to come down with a finish like we had, with the fight between Cale and Donnie, Richard Petty wins. That stuff. That’s TV history right there.” And one person made it happen without racing on the track. In his last days, the entire racing community would jointly remember the distinct baritone that brought the sport from the tracks to our television screens.